...following the Dave Chappelle transphobia row

Hannah Gadsby is to host a Netflix comedy special featuring a line-up of gender-diverse comedians.

To be filmed in London, the showcase comes after the comic sharply criticised the platform for providing an outlet for Dave Chappelle’s work, which was widely condemned as transphobic.

Netflix previously hosted Gadsby’s groundbreaking special Nanette, and its follow-up Douglas. The Australian stand-up has now signed a new deal with the streaming service for both her latest solo show Body of Work – which will be recorded at the Sydney Opera House this week – and the new showcase.

There will also be a mentorship scheme for the up-and-coming comics championed by the special, who have not yet been named.

Gadsby said: ‘In an effort to further open a door that I had to fight to get through myself, I will curate and host a line-up show on Netflix featuring six new, gender-diverse comedians

‘In a notoriously transphobic industry, I am looking to broaden the scope of opportunities for genderqueer performers from around the globe, as well as expand the diversity of offerings to audiences on one of comedy’s biggest platforms.’

She added: ‘Coupled with a mentorship initiative for these up-and-coming comics, the program aims to foster the professional development of a demographic that is still struggling to have their voices heard.

‘Recorded in a single run in the UK in 2023, this will be a chance for the world to hear these voices for the first, but definitely not the last, time.'

Last year, Gadsby blasted Netflix boss Ted Sarandos for name-checking her in an internal memo defending  Chappelle's controversial  special The Closer.

At the time, the comic labelled Netflix am ‘amoral algorithm cult’, and posted a note addressed to Sarandos on Instagram:‘Just a quick note to let you know that I would prefer if you didn’t drag my name into your mess,’ she wrote.

‘Now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelle’s fans like to unleash on me every time Dave gets 20 million dollars to process his emotionally stunted partial world view.’

Body Of Work will air on Netflix sometime next year. She is also touring Europe with the show this autumn with dates in Dublin’s National Concert Hall on November 22 and 23 and London’s  Theatre Royal Drury Lane on December 5.

» Hannah ​Gadsby: Body Of Work review

» Chortle interview with Hannah ​Gadsby

Published: 27 Sep 2022